Arsenal fought back from two goals down to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool in a high-stakes clash at Anfield, marked by a red card, late controversy, and a hostile reception for one of Liverpool’s own.
Liverpool looked in full control in the first half with two goals in the space of 87 seconds. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring from close range, and Luis Diaz doubled the lead moments later, sending the Anfield crowd into a frenzy.
But Arsenal showed resilience after the break. Gabriel Martinelli headed in to cut the deficit before Mikel Merino equalised with a well-placed header of his own. The game turned chaotic when Merino received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Arsenal with ten men for the final stretch.
Tensions rose further when Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently announcing his summer departure from Liverpool, came off the bench and was loudly booed by his own fans in the Kop. Despite the animosity, he nearly became the unlikely hero with a late attempt that grazed the woodwork.
Liverpool thought they had snatched a stoppage-time winner through Andy Robertson, but his goal was disallowed due to a foul by Ibrahima Konaté in the buildup. The match ended with both sides sharing the spoils and plenty of drama left in its wake.
The result dents Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the 90-point mark this season, while Arsenal remain in second place and edge closer to securing a top-five finish.
Match Stats Snapshot
- Goals: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
- Shots (on target): Liverpool 14 (5), Arsenal 15 (7)
- Possession: Liverpool 43.6%, Arsenal 56.4%
- Corners: Liverpool 3, Arsenal 1
- xG: Liverpool 2.01 – Arsenal 2.12
Key Moments:
- ⚽ 23′ – Gakpo puts Liverpool ahead
- ⚽ 24′ – Diaz makes it 2-0
- ⚽ 58′ – Martinelli header sparks Arsenal comeback
- ⚽ 65′ – Merino levels the score
- 🟥 73′ – Merino sent off for second yellow
- ❌ 90+3′ – Robertson’s goal disallowed
